With India preparing to widen the vaccine coverage to include all adults in the 18-45 age group, the Supreme Court has yet again questioned the government over the pricing of vaccines. The top court told the Centre it should adopt national immunisation model as poor people will not be able to pay for coronavirus vaccines.
'Why is the government not buying 100 per cent of doses produced in this time? Why should there be two prices for the centre and the states'? the court asked. Justice DY Chandrachud further quizzed how will the centre’s decision allowing 50 per cent procurement to be done by states promote equity.
Most states have flagged vaccine shortage and have said they cannot start the third vaccination drive on May 1.